Glastonbury Picks New Fire Chief

GLASTONBURY — After 21 months as acting fire chief, third-generation firefighter Michael P. Thurz will officially become head of the Glastonbury Volunteer Fire Department later this month.

On Tuesday, the town council unanimously appointed the 42-year-old who will soon celebrate his 25th year as a member of the department. Thurz has been serving as acting chief since former Fire Chief Matthew Nelson resigned in January 2009 after five years on the job to explore other career opportunities. Thurz will become the town's fourth paid chief.

"It's exciting," he said Wednesday. "I'm not really planning on changing anything. Just want to keep moving the department forward. A lot has changed in my 25 years, with more and more requirements being put on people. Ten years ago, we never had to do training for weapons of mass destruction. There have been so many changes in training and equipment-wise."

Thurz will officially take control of the 130-member department Sept. 27 on a part-time basis, working 19.5 hours a week under an agreement worked out with the board of fire commissioners and the town. Thurz has a full-time job with Webster Bank's commercial real estate division, a wife and three children. And he coaches soccer.

"It's a passion for him," council Chairwoman Susan Karp said of firefighting. "We were pleased with the commitment he's shown and we are confident in his ability to lead the department into the future. The part-time position is something that works right now, and he can run the department effectively and efficiently."

Town Manager Richard J. Johnson said the position is authorized as full time, but "for the foreseeable future," the fire commission is recommending the position be filled at 19.5 hours a week. Thurz said he will not be getting benefits, a pension or insurance, moves that will save the town thousands of dollars.

Gil Spencer, chairman of the board of fire commissioners, said that an in-house search was conducted and three candidates were interviewed, but that Thurz was the unanimous choice to become chief. Spencer has been on the board when all four chiefs were hired.

"He's been doing this part-time already and putting in a number of hours above and beyond that," Spencer said of Thurz. "His hiring is a real plus not only for us, but for the community. He's very well liked by members and has a hands-on management approach."

Thurz said the department answers more than 1,000 calls a year.

"Being a volunteer firefighter is a 24-7, 365-day-a-year job," he said. "You spend a lot of time away from your family. It's definitely a juggling act, but you are giving back to the community. My job now is not to put out fires, but making sure I give [firefighters] the tools to do their job."